Best Laptop For Programming In 2022
Top laptops for coders, developers and sysadmins
Surface Pro 8
The best laptop for programming needs to be a portable machine. But it also needs to offer a comfortable keyboard, speedy performance, and plenty of storage. And, while cores, threads, and clock speeds are important, they shouldnt be the first thing you consider.
Getting one of the best processors is still important for programming and coding but having a fast machine has as much to do with getting lightning-quick memory and speedy storage, such as a quality SSD. You dont want one of these to create a bottleneck when youre working, after all. A laptop thats fast will offer a streamlined workflow as well as saving you time when loading or running projects.
It may seem counterintuitive but youll want the best keyboard and screen you can afford. An uncomfortable keyboard will make it harder to get your work done and a screen that strains your eyes will result in you ending your day with a headache. And, you dont want to have to put up with an uncomfortable experience or fork over for better peripherals later on if you dont have to.
That might seem like a lot to keep in mind when shopping, but well make it easy for you. Weve gathered our top choices for the best laptop for coding and programming so you can find the best one for you without too much hassle. And, some of them are quite reasonably priced, costing just a little more than the best laptops under $500.
Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Programming? On a Chromebook? Absolutely! Googles Chrome OS has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and if youve ever dismissed it just as a fancy browser that runs on cheap laptops, its time to see what 2022 Chrome OS looks like. Yes, most Chromebooks are still affordable laptops, but thats also one element that makes them attractive, particularly to beginner programmers. You could spend a significant amount less on the best Chromebooks compared to a Windows laptop or a MacBook, and still write all the same code.
This is where the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 comes in. Chromebooks hit the market at a fantastic rate but right now this is the one to go for. Its also a perfect example of everything making Chromebooks so attractive. It shows how far Chromebook hardware and design have come from the plastic fantastic cheap netbook style machines of old while taking advantage of everything Chrome OS has to offer. With Android apps and pen support built-in, the Spin 713 makes as good a laptop for casual use and entertainment as it does for getting serious work done.
Are Gaming Laptops Good For Programming
Programming in itself isnt as resource-intensive. You can just use a text editor and do programming just fine. But devs and programmers require a wide variety of tools, many of which are CPU or GPU intensive.
So having a good set of hardware is crucial for a decent programming experience. And in this age of AI and ML, a GPU seems more like a necessity than an option for programmers and developers. And when it comes to performance, gaming laptops rule.
Furthermore, a gaming laptop features a good-quality keyboard and a bright screen. And their battery backup has also gotten much better. So all in all, they are perfect options for many programmers.
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Dell Xps9570 156 Inches
This Dell Laptop has a thin profile with bezel less display screen. Dell XPS 15.6 is a great replacement of a MacBook for an all-round enhanced performance. With stunning looks and high end features, this is the best laptop for college students.
You cant get a better display than Dell XPS with FHD display that provides clear view even at the wide angle of 170 degrees. With a 100 Adobe RGB color, you can work in brad-day light without any hassles. With a dedicated GPU of NVidia Geforce 1050 and you can easily operate the apps in a more interactive way.
For enhanced usability, the keyboard is powered by a backlit to enable you to type in dimly lit areas. Dell XPS is capable of handling all the programming languages. It is powered by the eighth generationi5 processor and 8 GB RAM. The storage needs are taken care by ultra-fast 256 GB SSD. The battery life of 10 hours is also worth-mentioning.
Dell XPX is highly recommended for students looking for portability combined with performance. The laptop has got high star ratings around the globe for its astonishing features.
Best Mobile Workstation For Programming

Reasons to avoid
The HP ZBook Fury 17 G8 is expensive, noisy under stress, has a relatively short battery life and isn’t likely to win any beauty contests. It also produces a lot of heat. Think rocket exhaust in your lap levels of heat. So why on Earth did it score so highly in our review? In a word, power. In a few more words, my god, so much power.
Who cares what your laptop looks like, or how easy it is to lug around when it has enough computing power to one day potentially rise up and enslave all humanity. The HP ZBook Fury 17 G8 is the ultimate mobile workstation solution for programmers looking for a desktop alternative. HP’s powerhouse is available in several configurations, but it tops out with some incredible future-proof components including an overclockable 11th gen Intel Xeon CPU, discrete Nvidia RTX A5000 graphics with 16GB of VRAM, 128GB of RAM and upwards of 8TB of SSD storage.
However, that particular configuration isn’t likely to find its way into the digital shopping cart of the average Joe anytime soon primarily because of its $10,000+ price tag. That being said, there is a wide range of configurations available for a much smaller price that will still allow you to walk away with a pretty beastly machine. It isn’t one for the hobbyist, but if you’re in serious need of a mobile workstation to handle the most demanding of programming tasks, this is it.
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Dell G5 15 Gaming And Programming
Finding the best possible processor is critical for programming games, no matter what platform or programming language you utilize.
Thats where this Dell model shines, with a 9th gen processor featuring an absolutely huge cache. That feature is very helpful for programming, since the laptop will be running repetitive tasks with the same data over and over.
Besides the CPU, your next concern should be whether the dedicated graphics can handle game programming. The Ti version of the GTX 1650 video card is more than enough to run the vast majority of gaming applications.
The only downside there is that the 1650 isnt technically VR ready. If you need to be able to program and test VR programs, you should look for a system with a RTX instead since those are better suited for VR.
Coding is all about spending long hours typing, so the full size keyboard with plenty of backlighting color options is a major pro here.
Want to know the best part?
You also get better battery life than many other gaming models, allowing you to code longer before plugging into an outlet.
Buyers typically praise the keyboard and specs on this model, but do often note one problem. Most users report some issues with the drivers, and end up having to hit the Dell website to manually download the latest drivers.
Thats a small problem for such a high end machine, especially since this Dell model is typically available to you at a reasonable price.
Recommended configuration for Dell G5 15
Google Pixelbook Go The Lightest Model
Intel Core M3-8100Y | |
Memory | |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Google Pixelbook Go is a very portable and powerful laptop, it will suit programmers who do not sit still because it weighs only 2.33 pounds. Fast operation of all your programs will provide a processor which is up to 3.4 GHz, and 8 GB of RAM will give a good level of multitasking. This model has a bright touch screen and a backlit keyboard, which in combination positively affects the comfort of work. Battery life is 12 hours, which is even more than the Acer Swift 3 .
The SSD installed in this laptop has only 64 GB, so we recommend using an External Solid State Drive, which will give you the opportunity to increase the storage by 7 times. The installed Chrome OS is very fast and easy to use, but can also get in the way with the installation of some programs.
Pros:
Operating System | Windows 10 S |
The Acer Aspire 5 is the perfect solution for programmers on a limited budget. This model is as if created for budget programming because the strongest side is the processor which is up to 3.7 GHz, this will give you the high speed of all programs and speed of the system in general. It has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for the minimum requirements of a programmer, and over time the amount of RAM can be upgraded.
Pros:
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Microsoft Surface Pro Key Features
- 1 TB Flash memory solid-state along with i7 processor is a deadly combination for people who write Android, Swift , Objective C, HTML5, Java, C# programming code.
- The 16 GB RAM is useful for programmers who are data scientists and heavily use MATLAB and Python
- The intel iris and HD graphics coprocessors are useful for coders who develop mobile games or mobile applications.
In this laptop, the fingerprint reading on the touch keyboard is pretty much faster and very accurate. In short, Microsoft surface pro is the complete all-around package for programmers in 2019 if you are OK with a 12.3-inch screen.
Asus Vivobook Pro 15 N580
Powered by Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM with 512GB SATA 3.0 SSD, this top-of-the-line specced laptop can run all programming virtual products pretty effortlessly and can likewise play all the most recent gaming. Aside from this, it is additionally an exceptionally keen and ergonomically outlined laptop. Its shrewd double fan configuration gives powerful cooling to keep this laptop dependably.
Screen Size | |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
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Best Laptops For Programming In India 2021
This article will guide you to choose the best laptop for programming and some of my top laptops picks for programmers in India.
As a programmer or developer, it becomes really confusing to pick the best laptop from thousands of laptops available in the market. It becomes even more difficult for a person who is just starting programming.
Below I have shared some key points that will definitely help you to pick a perfect laptop for working on any programming technology.
Hp Envy 13 Specifications
Because of its versatile capabilities and affordability, the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 is considered one of the best laptops for programming students. Though it costs less than the most in this list, it does so without sacrificing performance or functionality.
This laptop comes with a high-resolution Full HD display, fast SSD storage, and an Intel Core i5 processor, making it a very reliable laptop for any programming task.
For programmers in need of an inexpensive thin, and lightweight laptop for home or school, the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 series is worth getting one for you.
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The 10 Best Laptops For Programming In 2022
The market for laptops these days can be very crowded and competitive in order to earn your money. Finding the best laptops for programming gave us a lot of options to consider. However, using the criteria above, we chose the laptops that stood out so you know these are the best laptops for programming.
If you see one that you like from our list below, click the link to learn more, otherwise keep reading to see our in-depth review:
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Dell Xps 15 Deals: What You Need To Know

Right now, there are three models of the Dell XPS 15 that we would recommend getting, and that are widely available . Starting with the newest, the Dell XPS 15 was released in November 2021, and has options for OLED screens, touchscreens, and all the power that you’d want to do the heaviest of workloads.
Then there’s the Dell XPS , which was one of the absolute best 15-inch laptops out there – until the 9510 came out! It’s also got oodles of power and features to boast of, but as the slightly older option, should be having some tasty discounts applied to it too.
Finally, there’s the Dell XPS 15 , which, although you wouldn’t know it from its larger numerical code, is the oldest of the three, with the more modest spec list Again, expect decent savings on this model.
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Which Laptop Brand Is Best For Students
When buying a student laptop, you want a device that is well built, affordable and reliable. Students rely on their laptops, so you want to buy from a brand that offers great build quality and customer support should something go wrong. The best brands for this are Dell and HP.
However, Apple and Microsoft are also brilliant brands for laptops for students, as they both offer discounts for students, making their premium devices far more affordable.
Read more:
Microsoft Surface 3 Specifications
The HP 15-dy1036nr is one of the best picks for programming students on a budget. Although with a lower price tag than most programming laptops, it does not compromise performance.
It has 8GB RAM and is fuelled by a 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 quad-core processor to support all of your multitasking and programming needs.
Intels integrated UHD graphics perform admirably for programming and casual gaming despite the lack of dedicated graphics. It has a stunning 15.6-inch 1080p display with slim bezels and an anti-glare coating on end.
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Macbook Pro 14 Design
You know, for years, 15 inches has been my sweet spot when it comes to a walking-around laptop. When Im running around covering conventions, I want as much real estate as possible without having to break my back. However, working with the 3.5-pound, 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inches just might be the ticket. Compared to the likes of the Dell XPS 15 , Microsoft Surface Studio and the Razer Blade 14 , the MacBook Pro is a featherweight.
Maybe its the new form factor or the triumphant return of some essential ports , but this is definitely a whole new MacBook. Even the iconic half-eaten fruit on the Space Gray aluminum lid is bigger and seems just a bit shinier. And even though rounded edges arent new, the whole presentation just feels a whole lot sleeker. By the way, if Space Gray isnt really your bag, you can get the 14-inch MacBook in silver. However, I really wish Apple would make a gold version or, better yet, introduce a whole new color scheme.
Hp 15 Ideal For Web Design
Web developers typically dont need the same level of power as game programmers, but will probably want a touch screen.
Most people browse the web from a mobile device at this point, so thats a feature you dont want to skip.
For a very reasonable price, you can get a touch screen display and high end specs with this HP model.
While the overall hardware specs are fairly close to our other contenders, there are a few features worth noting that make this unit stand out.
FIrst up, you get a DVD-RW drive, which is an anomaly in modern laptops. This machine also features absolutely massive storage space, with both a 512 GB SSD for holding all of your files and projects.
The only complaint frequently brought up by buyers is that the plastic clamshell chassis feels a little flimsy in comparison to aluminum models, although it doesnt actually impact usage at all.
Recommended configuration for HP 15
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, quad-core, 1.0 GHz Base frequency, up to 3.6 GHz | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 16 GB RAM| Screen: 15.6-Inch diagonal HD SVA bright View micro-edge WLED-backlit touchscreen display | Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 6 hours| Weight: 3.74 lbs
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Dell Xps 15 Oled Ports
The XPS 15 is one of the few remaining laptops with a full SD card slot. But that godsend for photographers and videographers comes at the expense of a fourth USB-C port when you’re comparing the XPS against the MacBook Pro.
On the left side of the laptop, next to a lock slot, are two Thunderbolt 4 inputs for charging, connecting peripherals or transferring data. Flip to the right side and you’ll find a USB 3.2 Type-C input alongside a full SD card slot and a headphone jack.
I’d take the card reader over a fourth Thunderbolt port . The glaring omission on both laptops is a USB Type-A input although Dell includes a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter as a consultation.
Macbook Pro 14 Performance
Ah, now were getting to the crux of the issue, the new and highly acclaimed M1 Pro CPU. While this new chip can be considered mid-tier in the M1 line, its by no means a slouch, especially with a 10-core processor, 16-core graphics chip and a 16-core Neural Engine, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD. And while the Neural Engine does the bulk of the machine loading work, for this review, Ill be focusing on the CPU and GPU.
Starting with the processor, I tried slowing it down with my usual workload about 70 open tabs of . However, instead of just a myriad of , Sheets and Presentations along with TweetDeck, Spotify, Slack and Discord and some news stories, I queued up a few videos and Twitch streams. The MacBook Pro didnt even blink.
The powerhouse continued to punch through everything I could throw at it, conquering the synthetic Geekbench 5.4 overall performance test. The MacBook Pro 14 achieved an incredible 12,477, outright demolishing the 4,906 premium laptop average. The competition fared no better. The XPS 15 with the Blade 14 right on its heels with 7,471 while the Studio only managed 5,820.
When we ran the HandBrake video transcoding test, the MacBook Pro 14 only took 4 minutes and 51 seconds to transcode a 4K video to 1080p. It ran circles around the 14:15 average as well as the Blade 14s 7:50, XPS 15s 8:10 and the Studios 11:24.
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